Famed Blue Angels squadron may be grounded by budget cuts

BOB GWALTNEY / Courier & Press archives
(File Photo) The Blue Angels fly in tight formation over the Ohio River in 2005 as the main attraction of the Thunder on the Ohio air show.

The Navy’s famed Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron may end up as collateral damage from the budget debate now under way in Congress.

If Congress is unable to reach a budget agreement before March 1, automatic spending cuts will be imposed, and the Navy, which is expecting to have to trim up to $4 billion in spending, has signaled the squadron will be shot down and grounded.

That would prevent its performing in Evansville this summer as a key element of the ShrinersFest on the city’s riverfront.

Dale Thomas, ShrinersFest marketing director, said the club is aware of what Congress is doing and is waiting to see what happens in Washington.

“We’re just waiting to see what they’ll do,” he said.

Thomas said the Blue Angels squadron members have confirmed their hotel reservations here already and are prepping for future shows.

“They are still burning fuel and practicing to make sure their form is tight,” he said.

And as of Monday night, the Blue Angels schedule out for 2013-14 remained online with the Evansville dates listed.

Thomas said the Shriners’ payment for the performances hs been made or is on the verge of being made. The Blue Angels cost to appear in Evansville- $12,000 for two shows — is significantly cheaper than what it costs for the fuel of the jets, Thomas said.

If Congress does pull the plug, Thomas said the government will repay any money the Shriners have put down.

“The Blue Angels were supposed to be here three years ago, but due to an accident, they couldn’t come,” he said. “The government was good and paid us back.”

But the future is uncertain.

“I don’t think any of us knows what will happen,” he said.

If the Blue Angels can’t come to Evansville for the ShrinersFest, the show must go on, Thomas said.

“If the Blue Angels can’t come, it’s a blow to the chin, but it’s not a knockout punch,” he said.

In addition to the Blue Angels, the Shriners have lined up five other airshows for the festival in addition to other activities that include a car and bike shows, a barbecue contest, bierstubes, bands and a bass tournament.

According to a Washington Times article published Monday, cutting the 30 Blue Angel air shows scheduled for later this year would save the Navy $20 million.